International

South Korean President Vows To Fight Impeachment After Declaring Martial Law

Published

4 hours ago

Dec 12, 2024.

Dennis

Embattled South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended his controversial decision to declare martial law last week, asserting that it was a necessary move to protect the nation’s democracy.

In a surprise televised address on Thursday, Yoon explained that the declaration was a legal action taken to “prevent the collapse” of democracy and counter the opposition’s “parliamentary dictatorship.” He insisted that it was aimed at safeguarding the public and the country’s democratic system.

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Yoon also indicated he would not step down ahead of a second impeachment vote set for Saturday, vowing to resist any efforts to remove him from office. “I will stand firm whether I’m impeached or investigated,” he declared. “I will fight to the end.”

The president and his allies are under investigation for insurrection, with several key figures banned from leaving the country. However, Yoon denied that his martial law order amounted to insurrection, accusing political rivals of spreading “false incitement” to undermine his presidency.

In his address, Yoon reiterated arguments from his earlier speech when martial law was declared, stressing that the opposition posed a threat to democracy. He argued that his actions were necessary to protect the country. Despite his defence, Yoon added that he would not avoid his “legal and political responsibilities.”

Last weekend, an attempt by opposition lawmakers to impeach Yoon failed after members of his own ruling party boycotted the vote. However, the opposition is determined to hold another impeachment vote this weekend, with plans to continue every Saturday until Yoon is removed from office.

Yoon’s party had hoped to persuade him to leave office voluntarily rather than face a forced removal. Just before Yoon’s address, his party leader, Han Dong-hoon, appeared on television, acknowledging that the president was unlikely to step aside and urging party members to vote for his removal on Saturday.

If the impeachment bill passes in parliament, a trial will be held by South Korea’s Constitutional Court, which would need a two-thirds majority to permanently remove Yoon from office.

Yoon has been a weakened president since the opposition won a landslide victory in April’s general election, leaving his government unable to pass key legislation and reduced to vetoing bills proposed by the opposition.

He also accused North Korea sympathizers of attempting to undermine his government when he declared martial law on December 3. The announcement sparked political unrest, with protesters clashing with security forces outside the National Assembly, and lawmakers quickly moving to block his martial law order. Yoon withdrew the declaration after it was rejected by lawmakers.